thegoodstuffhttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff
coupons.com's online magazineTue, 03 Mar 2015 16:00:48 +0000en-UShourly1Biggest Germ Sources You’re Forgetting to Cleanhttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/hidden-germ-sources/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hidden-germ-sources
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/hidden-germ-sources/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 16:00:48 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=70217When it’s time for spring cleaning, we all get our cleaning supplies out for the windows, the tabletops, the carpet and anything with stainless steel (those fingerprints!). That said, it’s easy to gloss over, breeze past or totally forget other germ sources in the house that deserve a good wipe down or wash. We asked […]

When it’s time for spring cleaning, we all get our cleaning supplies out for the windows, the tabletops, the carpet and anything with stainless steel (those fingerprints!). That said, it’s easy to gloss over, breeze past or totally forget other germ sources in the house that deserve a good wipe down or wash.

We asked Leslie Reichert, green cleaning coach and author of The Joy of Green Cleaning, to fill us in on the 10 most common areas we forget to tackle and how to do it right — so we’re keeping our families safe from any lingering bacteria and bugs this spring.

Door Knobs

One of the places you touch the most is also one of the places you forget to clean the most. “You can clean them with rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or even vodka on a microfiber cloth,” Reichert says.

Men’s Ties

“I know this sounds crazy, but I watched doctors in the ER touch a patient, then move their tie out of the way – then disinfect their hands,” Reichert says. “The tie is cross contaminating the area. When do men ever launder their ties?” Take them to a professional dry cleaner on a regular basis. They’re clothes, too, guys!

Credit Cards

Yes, credit cards are tucked away in your wallet — but for most people, that plastic also touches a whole lot out in the world and exchanges hands quite often. “Keep them in a Ziploc bag [and] have the cashier drop [the card] back into the bag and then wipe with rubbing alcohol when you get home,” Reichert says.

TV Remote

Everyone passes around the family remote, especially when they’re sick and only have enough energy for an at-home watchathon. “It should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol to kill the germs. You can also keep it in a Ziploc bag so that the germs don’t get down inside the remote,” Reichert says.

Light Switches

Just like door knobs, you touch light switches every day, too. “If you look at them, they are full of fingerprints,” Reichert says. “Use some rubbing alcohol after washing them with a light soap and a microfiber cloth.” This also goes for light switches on labs, which Reichert says are never, ever cleaned by the average person.

Coffee Makers & Pots

Though we can’t survive without our morning coffee fix, cleaning the coffee maker is something we probably don’t think about enough, even though it should be cleaned on a weekly basis. “The warm moist environment is perfect for mold and mildew, so empty it, clean with white vinegar and rinse out twice,” Reichert says.

Underneath the Toilet Bowl

Not the surface stuff — we’re talking about underneath the toilet bowl rim. “This is a dark, moist area that is full of mold,” Reichert explains. “You need a long stiff brush to get up underneath to remove the mold. Use a powdered cleanser to loosen it up and keep scrubbing!”

Garbage Disposal

Reichert says the leftover food in your garbage disposal, combined with water, can begin to build up within 12 to 24 hours, so it should be cleaned every week with frozen lemon peels, salt and white vinegar to remove food particles.

Ice Cube Trays

If you still have an ice cube tray in your freezer, here’s another question: have you ever cleaned it? “Fingers and hands are all over them, yet we just put them back into freezer without ever cleaning them,” Reichert says. Try putting them in the dishwasher, and do the same thing for silverware trays, which are dust, crumb and dirt collectors.

Exhaust Fan

You probably give your stove top a good cleaning, but it’s also important to spring clean the exhaust fan. Reichert says it builds up with grease from your stove, so pop it in the dishwasher — just not with glasses or goblets.

]]>http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/hidden-germ-sources/feed/0Healthy Gas Station Snacks for Kids for Spring Breakhttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/healthy-gas-station-snacks-for-spring-break/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healthy-gas-station-snacks-for-spring-break
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/healthy-gas-station-snacks-for-spring-break/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 21:00:30 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=70167If you’re thinking about piling into the minivan for the annual family road-trip this spring break, keep in mind that you’ll most likely hear these two common shouts from the backseat: “Are we there yet?” and “I’m hungry.” We may not be able to help you with your route, but we can suggest healthy gas station snacks […]

If you’re thinking about piling into the minivan for the annual family road-trip this spring break, keep in mind that you’ll most likely hear these two common shouts from the backseat: “Are we there yet?” and “I’m hungry.”

We may not be able to help you with your route, but we can suggest healthy gas station snacks that will keep the kids happy and satisfied. If you just aren’t prepared with enough food, don’t hesitate to hit up one of the many gas stations you’ll pass on your trip. Forget about the candy aisles and check out the more nutritious foods that will keep the kids healthy. The key is knowing which foods to pick!

Popcorn is a great on-the-go snack choice, and kids love to munch away on their own little bag. It’s whole grain, packed of fiber to keep you feeling full, and has a high concentration of antioxidants in the hull. Choose a popcorn brand that has no trans fat and is low in sodium.

This Kind bar has only 4 grams of sugar, and it’s high in protein and fiber. Bars can be very convenient snacks, but some have as much sugar as candy bars. Kind bars are great because the company emphasizes keeping their snacks healthy.

Dry roasted almonds make a fantastic snack for taming hunger pangs when you’re on the road. This high protein crunchy snack satisfies your need for a salty snack without breaking open a bag of potato chips.

Check the refrigerated section of the gas station for string cheese. It’s a great way to sneak calcium into your kids while on the road, and most kids will happily snack on these convenient cheese sticks.

Check the gas station for fresh fruit. They often carry a small amount of fruit near the cash register. You’ll usually find bananas, apples, and oranges. Offer your kids these snacks first, and they’ll get an unexpected antioxidant and fiber boost on the road!

Sunflower seeds are loaded with viamin E, an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and keeps skin youthful. This satisfying snack also has plenty of healthy polyunsaturated fat and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s a smart nutritional choice.

]]>http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/healthy-gas-station-snacks-for-spring-break/feed/0Chili Cheese Enchiladas (Exclusive Recipe)http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/chili-cheese-enchiladas-exclusive-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chili-cheese-enchiladas-exclusive-recipe
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/chili-cheese-enchiladas-exclusive-recipe/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 16:00:52 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=69695My chili cheese enchiladas recipe that I’ve shared with The Good Stuff is an easy way to makeover that pot of chili! Double your usual chili recipe and use up the leftovers in this dish the next night! Serve this along with these other kid-friendly dinners during Spring Break for a more relaxing holiday. Yield: 10 enchiladas Prep Time: 10 minutes […]

My chili cheese enchiladas recipe that I’ve shared with The Good Stuff is an easy way to makeover that pot of chili! Double your usual chili recipe and use up the leftovers in this dish the next night! Serve this along with these other kid-friendly dinners during Spring Break for a more relaxing holiday.

Yield: 10 enchiladas

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup prepared chili, canned or leftovers

2 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup enchilada sauce

10 corn tortillas

2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

Jalapenos, for topping

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour the enchilada sauce into the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish. Heat the chili and cream cheese together and stir to combine. When the chili is hot and the cream cheese is melted, remove from the heat.

Heat the tortillas on the stove top or in the microwave until soft and pliable. Place the tortillas on a clean surface and place 1 1/2 cups of cheese down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish. Top with the chili, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and jalapenos. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

]]>http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/chili-cheese-enchiladas-exclusive-recipe/feed/0Quick Kid-Friendly Dinners for Spring Breakhttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/spring-break-kid-friendly-dinners/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spring-break-kid-friendly-dinners
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/spring-break-kid-friendly-dinners/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 16:00:26 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=69625Spring Break is nearly here and that means lots of extra meal planning! Keeping the kids active and entertained during the day might wear you out, which means it’s the perfect time to fall back on some simple family favorite recipes that your kids will be sure to gobble up. These kid-friendly dinners are time […]

Spring Break is nearly here and that means lots of extra meal planning! Keeping the kids active and entertained during the day might wear you out, which means it’s the perfect time to fall back on some simple family favorite recipes that your kids will be sure to gobble up. These kid-friendly dinners are time savers that make those little bellies happy without a lot of work on your part, so spring break can be more enjoyable on all fronts.

Whether you make these little pizza stuffed crescent rolls for a snack or for a quick dinner, they’re sure to be a hit with any pizza lover in your house. Serve them along side a big salad for a new twist on pizza night.

]]>http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/spring-break-kid-friendly-dinners/feed/0How to Organize Makeup for Spring Breakhttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/organize-makeup-spring-break/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=organize-makeup-spring-break
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/organize-makeup-spring-break/#commentsSun, 01 Mar 2015 21:00:44 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=69992Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! So it’s time to start preparing for a spring break vacation. Before you hop on a plane, be sure that you have your makeup in order so you can be ready to jet set in an instant! Use our tips below for a quick fix on […]

Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! So it’s time to start preparing for a spring break vacation. Before you hop on a plane, be sure that you have your makeup in order so you can be ready to jet set in an instant! Use our tips below for a quick fix on how to organize makeup in an on-the-go makeup bag if you’re traveling far, or how to keep your makeup vanity together if you plan on enjoying a staycation.

How to organize your travel makeup bag:

Organizing a makeup bag for travel depends on how long you are going to be gone, what you’ll be doing at your destination, and how many products you can carry. First, figure out these details to determine the size of bag you’ll need.

You will obviously need more space if you’ll be gone an extended amount of time or if your trip requires both day and night makeup. Separate out your day makeup and night makeup with the use of compartments (or even two different makeup bags, entirely).

Invest in a quality bag that’s full of compartments like this Hold Me bag. It includes 12 sleeves just for makeup brushes, and the bag exterior is easy to wipe and clean. It also comes in two smaller sizes.

If your bag has enough space and sections, then try to pack similar items together: lipsticks with glosses, eye shadows with eye liners; foundations with tinted moisturizers, etc.

How to organize your makeup vanity:

Most people like to organize their makeup by product. You put the lipsticks here, the foundations there, the blush over there, so forth and so on. But that’s not always the best idea on a makeup vanity as you end up picking different items from here and there until everything is out of place and a big mess. Here’s the super simple way to organize your vanity.

Your everyday tray

This tray should be composed of the makeup you wear on an everyday basis. Your BB cream or foundation, mascara, blush, powder and lip products should all go here. This makes it easy to grab that one tray, rather than picking all over the place for products.

Your special occasion tray

Night out on the town with the girls? Hot date with your significant other? This is the tray that holds that makeup. In most cases, there is a drastic difference between day and night makeup — smoky eyes, heavy lashes, matte foundation and bold lips. That’s where all that makeup should go for easy access.

Your unused tray

We spend on average $1,200 a year on makeup. In most cases, that means all of the makeup will not be used. Create a special drawer or tray for your unused makeup, and shop that stash every once in a while. Make sure to keep this drawer monitored for expired makeup products.

If you are an organizing machine, you can also have a special area for soon-to-be expired products, doubles, brushes, products you wish you used more and products you want to give away to friends or swap. Storage tools that come in handy are Rubbermaid plastic trays, acrylic makeup organizers, and the ever popular Ikea Alex.

]]>http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/organize-makeup-spring-break/feed/0Authentic Irish Dishes to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Dayhttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/authentic-irish-dishes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=authentic-irish-dishes
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/authentic-irish-dishes/#commentsSun, 01 Mar 2015 16:00:43 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=69722Let the merrymaking begin! St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 so we’ve gathered 13 authentic Irish dishes to help you celebrate all day long. From Guinness slow cooker stews to Irish shortbread, these recipes will provide you with traditional meals to serve your friends and family. 1. Guinness Irish Stew Find this exclusive to The Good Stuff recipe here. […]

Let the merrymaking begin! St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 so we’ve gathered 13 authentic Irish dishes to help you celebrate all day long. From Guinness slow cooker stews to Irish shortbread, these recipes will provide you with traditional meals to serve your friends and family.

Corned Beef and Cabbage is widely associated with St. Patricks Day celebrations here in America but is not necessarily authentic Irish. It is the Irish American version of Cabbage and Bacon. This recipe provides two ways to make this yearly must have dish!

Throw the best St. Patrick’s Day gathering on March 17 with this deliciously delightful Guinness Irish Stew — an exclusive recipe to The Good Stuff.If you’re looking for other related meals, then check out our post on authentic Irish dishes as well!

Ingredients:

4 slices bacon

2 1/2 pound boneless beef chuck

1 teaspoon salt

pepper

2 onions, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can dark Irish beer

1 small can tomato paste

3 carrots

3 large russet potatoes, cubed

2 tablespoons

2 – 3 cups beer broth

Directions:

In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beer, olive oil, brown sugar and tomato paste. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Dredge the beef pieces in the dry mixture, shaking off any excess.

Cook and stir bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until bacon is browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer bacon into a large stew pot, reserving bacon fat in the skillet.

In batches, add the beef pieces and sear until brown, about 2 minutes, transferring the beef to the slow cooker as done. Remove the last batch of beef to the slow cooker, add 1 cup of the beef broth to the skillet and scrape up all the brown bits that have accumulated on the bottom of the pan. Add the pan juices to the slow cooker, along with the remaining 2 cups of beef broth. Cover, and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours.

Canned tuna is the hidden gem of the food world. It’s a cheap, lean protein that doesn’t have a strong taste once it’s mixed into dishes. It comes pre-cooked in a convenient little tin, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid. We’ve found eight amazing canned tuna budget-friendly dinners and recipes that are delicious and quick to serve!

1. Tuna Tortellini Salad

Pasta and tuna go together like two besties in a boat! And our exclusive, original recipe for Tuna Tortellini Salad is an all-time favorite flavor combo. Perfect for potlucks, it also makes a great lunchbox meal because it’s delicious served hot or cold! Find this exclusive to The Good Stuff recipe here.

This refreshing green bean salad with tuna is perfect when you need to get your diet back on track. It delivers plenty of lean protein, and all the veggies will fill you up and have you feeling healthy and vibrant.

These gluten-free quinoa stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and effortless meal. The rice in the recipe is swapped with quinoa and tuna replaces ground beef. These delicious peppers are healthier but still satisfying and loaded with flavor.

Stop tossing that tuna between sloppy pieces of sandwich bread. The common can of tuna isn’t just for mixing with mayo and tossing inside kids’ lunch bags anymore! It’s actually a truly delicious add-in for gourmet lunch and dinner dishes—like this delicious Tuna Tortellini Salad. The flavors are rich and creamy—a far cry from that “fishy” flavor that keeps so many people from serving tuna for dinner. And if you’re looking for more incredible ideas, check out our post on canned tuna budget-friendly dinners too!

For best results, use a white albacore tuna with this recipe. The meat is richer and more mildly flavored. It flakes into big, hearty pieces of white meat. Flavored with a simple creamy Italian dressing and mixed with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and roasted red peppers, this is one dish that may talk you into enjoying tuna for dinner every night!

Step 1: The Ingredients

This recipe is splendidly easy. Here’s the lineup of ingredients. The only thing not pictured here is vinegar. You can use any white or apple cider vinegar. Fresh lemon juice will also work perfectly!

Step 2: Whisk Away

Start by cooking the tortellini according to package directions. Then whisk together the dressing. Mayo, zesty Italian seasoning, and vinegar make a creamy, delicious dressing that complements the flavor of the tuna nicely.

Step 3: Start Dicing

Now dice some purple onions and roasted red peppers. On top of adding delicious flavor, these ingredients also lend beautiful color to the dish.

Step 4: Drain and Add

Once the hot tortellini is ready, drain it, then add to the creamy dressing. Add all the other ingredients, as well. And then, you’re ready to enjoy!

Tuna Tortellini Salad

You’ll need just 15 minutes to make this yummy salad. Delicious when served warm or cold, it’s a great potluck dish, and packs well inside a lunchbox, too.

Ingredients -Serves 4

2 cups cheese tortellini, uncooked

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup white balsalmic vinegar (or lemon juice)

1 tablespoon Zesty Italian seasoning mix

1 can albacore tuna, drained and flaked

¼ purple onion, finely diced

½ cup roasted red peppers, finely diced

6 cups baby spinach

Directions:

Cook tortellini according to package directions until tender. Strain and toss hot tortellini into a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Stir to coat. Serve hot or cold. Enjoy!

]]>http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/tuna-tortellini-salad-exclusive-recipe/feed/0How to Transform Your Home into a Magical Escapehttp://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/transform-home-into-magical-escape/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=transform-home-into-magical-escape
http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/transform-home-into-magical-escape/#commentsSat, 28 Feb 2015 16:00:07 +0000http://www.coupons.com/thegoodstuff/?p=70035With the winter blues blowing through America, moms everywhere are looking for ways to entertain their bored kids. I live in the south so although we don’t have snow days, we have weekends locked inside due to the cold and rain. There is only so much time I will allow my kids to watch TV […]

With the winter blues blowing through America, moms everywhere are looking for ways to entertain their bored kids. I live in the south so although we don’t have snow days, we have weekends locked inside due to the cold and rain. There is only so much time I will allow my kids to watch TV or go on the computer. So the other 12 hours of the day, I need to occupy them. One of the things I do is turn the living room into a campground. But what if I want to do something a little more extreme? What if I want to turn my home into a magical escape? Read below to see how you can transform your home into a dream destination!

I love this idea and will absolutely be using it for a day for my kids! Turning your whole home into a Hogwarts House can be so easy and fun! With great tricks like printable signs on the staircase and candy used as Bertie Bott’s beans, this idea has it all! It can be so easy to do and so affordable as well. Made up mostly of printables and things bought at the dollar store, the setup is the mostly time consuming. You could easily use this idea to create your own movie themed home! Just pull props and quotes from any move and create an escape using this one as a guide!

What started as a prank turned into something I would totally do for my kids! Imagine joining your kids in a huge ball pit that took up an entire room in your home! Now this one might cost a pretty penny depending on the size of the room to be filled, but it could provide days — if not weeks — of entertainment for the whole family! Adding small slides, mini trampolines and more could really enhance this experience.

The Scavenger Hunt

I did this on a small scale for my daughter’s birthday once. I left 10 clues around the house and she had to figure them out to get the next clue. At the end, she found her beloved American Girl doll in my shower. But, you can take this to a whole new level in any home. Hide 15 to 20 things around the house. They don’t have to be toys or anything you buy. Canned fruit, toys they already have and art supplies work just as well. Put them in odd places and then create a list of things they have to find, in order. Then create clues that will send them throughout the house searching. One of the clues for my daughter was “This toy holds memories of your birthday and the day the dog chewed the leg.” She went to her room and found the little table the dog had chewed and found the clue taped under it. Also there was a toy she loved that gave her a hint to the next one.

The Ultimate Carnival House

I don’t know any kids who don’t love a carnival! Setting up your home to be one can range from the easy and cheap apple bob and balloon filled room to some serious work creating games and carnival themed snacks! Using your creativity, you can make everything from popcorn balls to thumbtack balloons. Use bottles and plastic rings to create a ring toss game and set up a face painting station. You can purchase cardboard booths or make your own and create a hugging booth and more! There are so many ideas and, if you use the whole house, so many ways to turn your home into a magical escape.

Do you have a big place in your heart for animals? Well you can transform your home int a magical escape that’s perfect for pets in a similar way that Peter Cohen did with his home. Cohen likes to rescue cats and not only provide them with shelter, but a cat playground that would rival any other feline pad. Of course, you can choose to do something like this on a smaller scale for your favorite pooch or kitty. All you really need is a catwalk and some unconditional love.

What would you do to turn your home into an exciting escape for your whole family? I would love to hear your ideas in the comments below!